When in Warsaw, Don’t Miss the Spectacular Viewing Platform at Varso Tower: the Tallest Building in the European Union
Text and photos: Beata Bruggeman-Sękowska
If you’re visiting Warsaw, one attraction deserves a place at the very top of your itinerary—quite literally. Varso Tower, the tallest building in the European Union, offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the Polish capital from its spectacular observation deck.
Located on the 53rd floor, at a height of 230 metres, the viewing platform provides an unforgettable 360-degree panorama of Warsaw. Visitors can enjoy direct views of the iconic Palace of Culture and Science, the city’s modern business district, and landmarks stretching to the horizon. The experience begins with a ride in one of the tower’s panoramic elevators before reaching the observation deck, where guests can relax in the HighGarden Rooftop Lounge, stroll through a genuine rooftop garden and visit an immersive experience room featuring films about Warsaw.
© Beata Bruggeman-Sękowska
The Tallest Building in the European Union
Since 22 February 2021, Varso Tower has officially been the tallest building in the European Union. Standing 310 metres high, including its spire, and 230 metres to the roof, it surpassed Frankfurt’s Commerzbank Tower and Messeturm, as well as London’s famous The Shard, whose spire is approximately 40 centimetres lower.
© Beata Bruggeman-Sękowska
The tower’s name, Varso, is derived from the Latin name for Warsaw: Varsovia.
© Beata Bruggeman-Sękowska
A Landmark in the Heart of Warsaw
Varso Tower occupies a prime location on Chmielna Street, directly next to Warsaw Central Railway Station, to which it is connected by an underground passage. The skyscraper features 53 floors and approximately 70,000 square metres of space.
The observation terraces on the 49th and 53rd floors are easily accessible via two panoramic elevators operating directly from the ground floor, making the attraction convenient for both tourists and residents.
More Than a Skyscraper
Varso Tower forms part of Varso Place, a modern complex consisting of three buildings:
- Varso Tower – 310 metres, 53 floors
- Varso 2 – 90 metres, 21 floors
- Varso 1 – 81 metres, 21 floors
Together, the complex offers around 144,500 square metres of office, retail, hospitality, and leisure space. Besides premium offices, visitors will find restaurants, cafés, shops, a two-level fitness club, medical facilities, and the four-star NYX Hotel Warsaw.
The complex also provides extensive parking facilities, including approximately 1,100 parking spaces, 80 motorcycle spaces, and 750 bicycle spaces.
World-Class Architecture
Varso Tower was developed by HB Reavis and designed by the renowned London architectural practice Foster + Partners, whose portfolio includes world-famous landmarks such as 30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin) and Wembley Stadium in London, the Reichstag Dome in Berlin, and Hong Kong International Airport.
The two accompanying buildings, Varso 1 and Varso 2, were designed by the Polish architectural studio HRA Architekci.
A Must-Visit Attraction
Whether you’re visiting Warsaw for the first time or rediscovering the city, the observation deck at Varso Tower offers an entirely new perspective on the Polish capital. Watching the skyline from 230 metres above ground, surrounded by modern architecture, a rooftop garden, and stylish lounge areas, is an experience that combines spectacular views with world-class design.
For anyone exploring Warsaw, a visit to Varso Tower is simply unmissable.
Official website: https://varso.com/
Photos: © Beata Bruggeman-Sękowska
Sources
Author: Beata Bruggeman-Sękowska is an award-winning Dutch-Polish journalist and author. She is the chief editor of the Central and Eastern Europe Center and president of the European Institute on Communist Oppression. Born in Warsaw, Poland and currently residing in the Netherlands, Beata has roots in Lviv, Ukraine and has Armenian heritage.